Touching Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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touching
[ˈtʌtʃɪŋ ]
Definitions
emotional
Having the power to stir feelings; emotionally moving or affecting.
Synonyms
emotional, heartfelt, moving, poignant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| touching |
Used to describe something that evokes tenderness and sympathy.
|
| emotional |
Typically describes something that elicits a strong emotional reaction, whether positive or negative.
|
| heartfelt |
Describes expressions or gestures that come from the heart, showing true feelings and sincerity.
|
| moving |
Often used for something that strongly affects the emotions, usually in a positive or uplifting way.
|
| poignant |
Used to describe something that deeply affects the emotions, often bringing a sense of sadness or reflective beauty.
|
Examples of usage
- It was a touching moment when he hugged his long-lost brother.
- The touching scene in the movie brought tears to everyone's eyes.
physical
Coming so close to someone or something that you are touching.
Synonyms
brushing, contacting, feeling, pressing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| touching |
Use when referring to light physical contact.
|
| contacting |
Use when referring to establishing communication with someone.
|
| feeling |
Use when referring to experiencing a physical sensation or emotion.
|
| brushing |
Use when referring to a light or gentle contact, often with a sweeping motion.
|
| pressing |
Use when referring to applying pressure to something or emphasizing urgency.
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Examples of usage
- He was touching the painting carefully to examine the details.
- She reached out her hand, touching his shoulder gently.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, a touching scene often elicits empathy and connection with the characters, showcasing moments of vulnerability.
- Authors like Charles Dickens often wrote touching stories about human experiences, especially focusing on social issues and personal struggles.
Psychology
- Psychological studies show that touching can trigger emotional responses, releasing hormones like oxytocin that promote bonding and empathy.
- Research indicates that poignant stories or films can influence emotional well-being by allowing individuals to process their own feelings.
Art
- Touching art pieces often focus on themes of love, loss, or hope, evoking feelings through visual storytelling.
- Famous paintings, such as Edward Munch's 'The Scream', evoke deep emotional reactions and can be described as touching in their portrayal of human anxiety.
Pop Culture
- Many movies and songs aim for a touching emotional impact, using music and storytelling to connect with the audience's feelings.
- The phrase 'touching moments' is commonly associated with memorable scenes in films, such as reunions, farewells, and acts of kindness.
Origin of 'touching'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French word 'touchier' meaning to touch, which has roots in Latin 'tucciare' which means to push or strike.
- In English, the meaning has evolved over centuries to include emotional connections as well as physical contact.
The word 'touching' originated from the Middle English word 'touche', which came from the Old French word 'touchier', meaning 'to touch'. The sense of 'emotionally moving' appeared in the early 17th century. The physical sense of 'coming into contact' has been used since the late 14th century.
See also: touch, touchable, touchably, touched, touchiness, touchingly, touchy, untouchability, untouchable, untouched.